Scammell Mechanical Horse

The concept of the Mechanical Horse[1] tractor unit with an easily detached articulated trailer was conceived in the early 1930s by Napier & Son.

In 1933 Scammell Lorries Ltd purchased the three wheeled tractor unit design from the Napier Company and promptly turned it into the famous Mechanical Horse.

This was a very simple and sturdy vehicle which was constructed on a steel channel frame and fitted with a wooden cab, the early versions having canvas doors.

The tractor units were powered by Scammell's own side valve petrol engine of 1125cc in the 3 ton version and 2043cc in the larger 6 tonner.

The road speed of about 20 mph suited the vehicle to local deliveries, and fuel consumption of 10 to 20 mpg was acceptable.

Such was the popularity and success of the Mechanical Horse that there was a separate sales department using dealers for this unique machine.

During the difficult trading years of the 1930s the threewheeler was the saviour of Scammell Lorries Ltd. From 1937, a version of the Mechanical Horse was made under licence in France, by FAR.

The engine, gearbox and driving axle formed a rigid assembly pivoted at the front end in a large rubber bush.

The new cab had many new developments, such as vacuum-assisted hydraulic brakes, a heater-demister, two rear view mirrors, interior sun-visors, totally enclosed oil-immersed coil spring front suspension and dual rate mounting of semi-elliptic leaf springs at the rear.

Legislation in the late 1960s regarding braking of goods vehicles meant that the working days of the innovative Scammells were nearing an end.